Fundraising campaign begins for Gainford toddler

A FUNDRAISING campaign, set up to help find a cure for a three-year-old boy diagnosed with a fatal muscle-wasting disease, has passed the £8,000 mark in just over a month.
People are being urged to rally round for Gainford toddler Ryan Chidzey at a series of fundraising events, which begin on Saturday morning.
Cieran and Claire Chidzey, from Gainford, found out in January that their son had Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a rare genetic condition for which there is currently no cure.
Mr and Mrs Chidzey are faced with the possibility of seeing their little boy in a wheelchair by the age of 11. Doctors have also said he may not live beyond his late
teens.
The family, with the overwhelming support of the community, have since set about raising £50,000 for Muscular Dystrophy UK’s Duchenne Research Breakthrough Fund in the hope of them being able to find a cure in Ryan’s lifetime.
Mrs Chidzey’s sister, Gillian Morrison, set up an online fundraising page. So far, £8,103 has been raised. Mrs Chidzey said: “Thank you to everyone for your continued support. It means so much to us.
“It is giving us hope and keeping us positive for Ryan’s future.”
Mr Chidzey added: “I’d just like to say how overwhelmed we’ve been with the kindness and support shown from the local community and further afield.”
Events have been organised by family, friends and members of the community to help Mr and Mrs Chidzey reach their fundraising goal. Details have now been finalised.
A Coffee Morning for Ryan is being held this Saturday, March 11, at Gainford Village Hall from 10am until 12.30pm.
All are welcome to the event, which is being organised by village residents Anita Haire and Dorothy Douglas.
As well as a cake stall, there will also be a book stall and a tombola and raffle with prizes. Entry costs £2.
The village hall will also play host to A Disco For Ryan on Saturday, March 25, from 2pm until 5pm. Tickets cost £2 and will include party games and a bouncy castle.
Barnard Castle Cricket Club will be holding A Family Night For Ryan on Saturday, April 15 from 6pm. Tickets cost £5 for adults and children are free. The evening will include entertainment as well as an auction and a raffle.
On Saturday, June 3 a charity night, which will include a buffet, has been organised at Blackwell Grange in Darlington. Tickets cost £25 for adults and £15 for children.
Tickets are also on sale for the Gainford Summer Bash on Saturday, June 17. Tickets to the event at the village hall cost £12 and will include supper and a drink. There will also be live entertainment, games, a raffle and an auction.
Participants are being sought for an off-road five-mile fun run. This will take place in Gainford on Sunday, June 25. Fancy dress is optional but there will be prizes for the best outfits. Entry costs £5 or £2 to take part in a 1.5km run.
A black tie event is scheduled for Saturday, September 30, at The George Hotel in Piercebridge. The evening will start at 7pm. Tickets costs £35.
To donate visit https://www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/muscular-dystrophy/ourfightforryan.